Or, the Nicholas Cage show. This black comedy was first released before Nicholas Cage went on to megastardom, when he was still mainly appreciated for quirky character roles in such unusual fare as "Raising Arizona" and "Wild at Heart". Like those pictures, "Vampire's Kiss" has achieved a bit of cult status, and will be forever remembered as the film where Cage, playing a womanizing literary agent who's convinced he's a vampire, eats a live cockroach. It is not, however, a horror film, though it has been sold as one. It's more of a character study, chronicling the life of a yuppy spinning wildly out of control. Though well made, is it doesn't work as on that level, either, as we really never discover much about him. "Vampire's Kiss" serves mainly as a vehicle for audiences to watch Cage become completely unglued (which he does very well).

Cage plays Peter Loew, whose life consists of working all day as a New York literary agent, and spending his evenings picking up women. One such evening, he brings home a date, only to discover a bat in his apartment. He later confesses to his psychiatrist (Elizabeth Ashley) he was a bit aroused by the incident. Later, he happens upon Rachel (Jennifer Beals), a woman he meets in a bar; she's sexy, seductive and apparently a vampire. In the throes of passion, he finds himself at her mercy. They "meet" on several other occasions, where he willingly allows her to feed off him. Meanwhile, at work, Loew finds increasing pleasure in tormenting one of his secretaries (Maria Conchita Alonso); these scenes are probably the most unnerving and uncomfortable to sit through, and the main reason it took me three days to get through this disc. The acting is top-notch, even by Beals (whom, lets face it, is easy on the eyes, but generally can't act her way out of a wet paper bag). Especially good is Cage (as usual) who is given ample opportunities to go ballistic, though his "sophisticated" accent is a monumental distraction. As for the movie itself...I don't think I'm giving much away when I say Cage isn't really turning into a vampire - the film doesn't really try to convince you he is, either - and while it's occasionally interesting to watch why he thinks he is, the attempts at black comedy aren't all that successful; my definition of black comedy has always been laughing at a situation that isn't normally funny. I didn't laugh much, but purists may say that's because I didn't "get it." Fine...then tell me what the punch line is. The film seems to try too hard to be a cult item. Besides, the same "I-think-I'm-a-vampire" concept was executed much better in George A. Romero's 1977 picture, "Martin." Of course, Cage is always fun to watch. He's the whole show here, and his performance is something to marvel. As for the infamous cockroach scene...in a time where people on TV are willing to eat live slugs or maggot-covered cheese on "Fear Factor," the scene doesn't have the same impact it did 13 years ago.

Not a lot of extras are offered. The commentary by Cage and director Robert Bierman is definitely interesting They provide a lot of behind-the-scenes anecdotes regarding the film's production. Other than a theatrical trailer, there are no other features. It's disappointing, since cultists - who would eat up anything related to the movie - are the primary people interested in this disc.

Horror fans will be disappointed in "Vampre's Kiss," since it isn't a horror film; it is flamoboyant, edgy and well-done, but not too much fun to watch. Similarly, cult fans of the film are also likely to be let down; beyond the film itself, there isn't a whole lot to this disc. On the other hand, fans of early-Cage will have a lot to savor with his performance; for them, "Vampire's Kiss" is recommended, especially at the cut-rate price MGM is offering it.